KHL MVP and Former Maple Leafs Forward Faces Contract Termination

Former Maple Leafs winger Josh Leivo has found himself in a bit of a precarious position this week, which may have him regretting joining the KHL ranks.

Following a Calder Cup Championship and MVP honours in the AHL to conclude his 2021-22 season, former Maple Leafs third-round pick Josh Leivo found his way back to the NHL the following season with the St. Louis Blues. Unfortunately for Leivo, he couldn't carry his AHL success over to the NHL, skating in just 51 games for the Blues before defecting to leave for the KHL, where he played the past two seasons.

Leivo has spent the past two seasons with Ufa Salavat Yulayev, breaking the single-season goal record this past year with 49 goals to go along with 80 points.

Initial reports on Tuesday morning indicated that Ufa Salavat Yulayev had terminated Leivo's contract. However, further reporting revealed that the KHL is currently not processing the termination.

According to Ria Novosti's Andrey Senchenko, Leivo's KHL team was attempting to terminate his contract for failing to appear for training camp, but the KHL is not processing the request as it is not Leivo's own doing. The 32-year-old had been waiting for his visa to be approved so he can return to Russia ahead of the start of the season, according to his agent Ivan Botev.

There is no official announcement from the team yet. A loosely translated quote from the KHL's offices explained that the paperwork to terminate his deal had been submitted.

As Leivo awaits word on his future in the KHL, NHL teams are likely going to be keeping tabs on his availability as training camp nears. While it may not be ideal, Leivo's dominance last season may open a door or two for an NHL return.